Husband passed RMD recalculated for spouse age

Submitted by Douglas Bauerband on Mon, 2024-02-05 17:00

Husband passed on Jan 20,2024. Check from investment company sent on 1-25-24.

She can’t cash the check and company is reissuing a new check in spouse’s name.

questions:
1. Does the RMD amount still stay in effect for the husbands age for 2024?

2. Can the RMD be recalculated to the spouse age (she is younger) for 2024?

3. Does the total RMD for 2024 include a portion of his and hers or just for her, if recalculated?

Thank you very much,
Douglas

Permalink Submitted by Alan - IRA critic on Mon, 2024-02-05 17:20

Yes, the 2024 year of death RMD of the husband must be completed by the beneficiary (spouse). For a check to be issued to the surviving spouse, she will have to establish an inherited IRA and the check issued from that inherited IRA. If the check is more than the RMD of husband, any amount in excess of the RMD can be rolled over.
No
The total 2024 RMD is that of the husband.
As long as surviving spouse is over 59.5 she should elect to assume ownership of the inherited IRA. Her RMDs as the owner do not start until 2025 if she is RMD age. An assumption of ownership is not a reportable distribution (no 1099R).